Dear EC: CPM's Yechury writes letter over poll violence

Kolkata: Amid reports of CPM workers being killed and attacked after the third phase of assembly polls in Bengal, the party on Friday wrote to Election Commission requesting it to take tangible action and instill confidence in the people to vote freely and fairly.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said he wrote the letter to register the party's "strong condemnation" over "continued violence, terror and intimidation" unleashed by the ruling Trinamool Congress party in West Bengal.

Sitaram Yechury. PTI

He said during the course of the third round of polling, held on 21 April four CPM leaders were murdered.

"I am writing to you because all poll related violence comes under the remit of the Election Commission of India as mandated by our Constitution. So far, no action appears to have been taken against the culprits who have perpetuated such murderous assaults.

"Unless tangible action is taken against such elements, the Election Commission will be failing in implementing its Constitutional mandate of ensuring a free and fair poll," Yechury said in his letter to Chief Election Commissioner.

"I am requesting you (CEC) to please take necessary action immediately and thereby instill confidence among the people to fearlessly exercise their democratic right of franchise," he added.

Two CPI(M) cadres were killed allegedly by Trinamool Congress workers in post poll violence at Lodhna under Khandaghosh assembly constituency in Burdwan district, police said on Friday.